Per ESPN’s Field Yates, the Buffalo Bills have claimed defense end Scott Crichton, formerly of the Minnesota Vikings, off waivers.
Crichton, 25, was a third-round pick by the Vikings in 2014. He visited with the Bills prior to the draft that year. Editor-in-Chief Brian Galliford at the time called him “a well-regarded prospect with a nicely rounded skill set” after he recorded 23.5 sacks in three seasons at Oregon State. Our current editor, Chris Trapasso, wrote this about him in his 2014 Draft guide:
“Properly violent hand usage at the point of attack. Desired strength and athleticism for a 4-3 DE though not prototypical height. Initial burst is good, not great. Relentless motor. Rarely if ever takes a play off. Recognizes plays well and crashes inside on run plays often. Movement ability is good enough that counter moves could be effective, he just doesn't have many at this point. Wins with athleticism, motor, hand usage and technically sound, low-center-of-gravity bull rush. Not speed or instant acceleration. Could easily kick inside in nickel packages because of strength, athleticism and leverage. More of a complete DE than a pass-rushing DE.”
Crichton hasn’t played at all since suffering a concussion in Week 13 of the 2015 season. He was placed on injured reserve prior to the start of the 2016 with an undisclosed injury, which may have still been the concussion. It’s entirely possible that he never even plays a game for the Bills, if his health isn’t up to par.
Even if he is, though, his college production never really translated to the NFL level. He’s only played in 21 games, with one start, and has seven career tackles without a sack. SB Nation’s Vikings blog, The Daily Norseman, noted when he was released that he never really played “more than a handful of snaps per game.” If he does make the roster, it will be as a depth player behind defensive ends Jerry Hughes and Shaq Lawson.